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Baltimore City, Maryland State Court Records

Baltimore City court records are documents generated during legal proceedings that capture party actions and court decisions. Legal proceedings in the city may happen in the Circuit Court or the District Court, depending on the case, and court records document every step taken to resolve the case.

The clerks of the city’s courts are the official custodians of all court records and preserve them in accordance with judicial rules. Although court records are maintained by the judicial branch, they often intersect with other public records, such as vital records and arrest records, and are frequently reviewed by researchers tracing a legal or historical event.

Are Baltimore City Court Records Public?

Yes. Court records in the City of Baltimore are public; however, access to them is not regulated by the Maryland Public Information Act. Maryland Rules of Procedure, Title 16, Chapter 900 govern access and supersede the Public Information Act for judicial documents. However, while court records are generally considered open, certain case types, documents, or information are confidential under Rule 16-911 and other statutes.

Confidential Case Types

  • Adoption
  • Juvenile delinquency
  • Guardianship
  • Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) cases
  • Actions for judicial declaration of gender identity

Confidential Documents

  • Financial records
  • Medical records
  • Judicial work product
  • Protective orders

Confidential Information

  • Social security numbers
  • Financial account numbers
  • Names of minors
  • Contact information of a victim

What Information is Available in Baltimore City Court Records?

Baltimore court records consist of all documentation generated during legal proceedings. This documentation typically includes

  • Case Details: Case number, filing date, and case type
  • Party Information: Names of plaintiffs, defendants, and their attorneys
  • Charges and Dispositions: Criminal charges, plea entries, sentencing information
  • Docket History: A list of all events that occurred during each case
  • Transcripts
  • Evidence and Exhibits

Baltimore City Court Records Search

Individuals may search and access a court record in Baltimore through any of these methods:

Online Access

Individuals may access Baltimore City court records online through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search Portal. Baltimore City does not have an independent online search portal; all online queries for court records may be conducted via the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal. Researchers may conduct a case number or party search on the portal.

When performing a party search using a person or business name, users may use the advanced search option to set the search location to Baltimore City. Users may also select the specific case type (civil, civil citation, criminal, or traffic) they are looking for, along with a filing date range. Parties to a case can also access e-filed cases through the MDEC Portal.

For probate records, individuals may use the Estate Search Portal.

In-Person Access

Some court records may not be accessible through the online portal. To gain access to such records, individuals may need to visit the relevant courthouse where the case was handled. At the courthouse, individuals may use the public access terminals at the Clerk’s Office to find the case, and then request to view the physical file or have it printed. Printed copies of a court record may cost a fee.

Mail and Phone Requests

Individuals may also obtain a copy of a court record by sending a written letter by mail to the court, including the case number, the party name, and the specific document requested. Alternatively, requesters may download the appropriate request form from the District and Circuit Courts’ forms page, complete it, and mail it to the Clerk’s Office. For example, individuals may use the Request for Transcript form to obtain a transcript from the Circuit Court or the Application to Inspect Public Records form to obtain a court record from the District Court.

Fees for Court Records in Baltimore City

When requesting court records in Baltimore City, particularly for copies of records, requesters may be charged a fee. The fees differ depending on the service needed. Below is the District and Circuit Court fee schedule.

  • Photocopies and Computer Printouts: 50 cents per page
  • Certification of Copies: $5 per request in addition to the 50 cents per page fee
  • Exemplification: $10 plus copy costs
  • Audio Recordings of a Case: 15 dollars per case for standard recordings, or 10 dollars per case for electronic recordings, as available.
  • Transcript of Proceedings: 75 dollars upfront deposit, then 3 dollars per page for the original and one copy

Individuals who may not be able to afford the costs above may submit a Request for Waiver of Costs Form along with their request. Online access to court records remains free.

Baltimore City Courthouse Locations

The Baltimore City court system consists of three primary levels of trial courts: the District Court, for smaller claims and misdemeanors, the Circuit Court for major civil and criminal cases, and the Orphans’ Court for probate and estate matters. Below are the court addresses.

Baltimore City Circuit Court (Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Courthouse)

100 North Calvert Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Phone: (410) 333-3722

Baltimore City District Court - Wabash

5800 Wabash Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21215-3330

Phone: (410) 878-8000

Baltimore City District Court - Hargrove

700 East Patapsco Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21225-1900

Phone: (410) 878-8300

Baltimore City District Court - East Side

1400 East North Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21213-1407

Phone: (410) 878-8500

Baltimore City District Court - Hubbard

500 North Calvert Street

Baltimore, MD 21202-3651

Phone: (410) 878-8900

Baltimore City Orphans’ Court

Suite 311, Elijah Cummings Building

111 North Calvert Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Phone: (410) 396-5034

Fax: (410) 545-3487

Criminal Records Access in Baltimore City

Baltimore City criminal records are publicly accessible through local court channels; however, records accessible through the court are limited to records generated during legal proceedings. Criminal case files maintained by the courts are available online via the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal. Also, in-person searches can be done at the Circuit Court or the relevant District courthouse, depending on where the case was heard.

Official state criminal history reports, which cover arrests, convictions, and dispositions across Maryland, are managed by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS). The department furnishes access through its Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS). In Maryland, criminal history records are private and are only disclosed to the subject of the record. Individuals can obtain their record by going to a fingerprinting service location, submitting their fingerprints, and completing the appropriate application. The fee for a check is $38 (includes the $18 search fee and a $20 fingerprinting service fee).

Baltimore City Probate Records

Baltimore City probate records document the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate, including the distribution of assets, verification of wills, payment of debts, and the appointment of guardians for minors or conservators for those unable to manage their affairs. The Orphans’ Court is responsible for all probate cases in Baltimore City, with the Register of Wills serving as the Court Clerk and the custodian of probate records.

Most probate records in the city are public pursuant to the Maryland Rules, Title 16, Chapter 900. Sensitive information, such as social security numbers, specific financial details, and guardianship filings, is typically restricted from the public.

Baltimore City probate records may be viewed online on the Maryland Estate Search Portal. Users may perform an estate or claim search using the estate number, estate status, filing date, estate type, and the name of the party on the record. Copies can also be purchased on the portal; however, purchases are non-refundable, even if there are inaccuracies or defects in the record.

Baltimore City Family Court Records

A family court record is any record that documents legal proceedings on family law cases. These cases include dissolution of marriage (including divorce and annulment), child-related matters (paternity, support, visitation, and custody), domestic violence issues, and adoption. Family court records are presumed public; however, certain records (e.g., adoption and judicial declarations of gender identity) are not public.

Members of the public may search for a family court record in Baltimore City on the Maryland Judiciary Case Search Portal or the MDEC Portal (if the researcher is a party to the case and the case was e-filed). Individuals may also visit the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office to access the record.

Federal Court Records in Baltimore City

Federal court records in Baltimore are not part of the Maryland state court system and cannot be found on Maryland Judiciary Case Search. Instead, they are maintained by the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and are accessible through federal databases or the federal courthouse in downtown Baltimore City.

Individuals may access federal court records online through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system. Filings are usually available within 24 hours of being entered into the court’s system. Alternatively, individuals can visit the courthouse to inspect or obtain court records. The courthouse is located at

101 WestLombard Street

Baltimore, MD 21201